Creative Cause Youth Service America and State Farm Foundation join youth on this dayWASHINGTON, DC (April 23, 2008)—Last week during the Pope's visit in our nation's capitol, he spoke of ‘America as a land of opportunity and hope; yet it has become elusive for some.’ This Saturday, youth are planting hope in the community east of the river through volunteer service to create a community of hope.
Hosted by
Creative Cause, the 2nd Annual Plant Hope in the City event commemorates Global Youth Service Day in partnership with Washington Middle School for the Girls and DC Young Women’s Leadership Committee.
This Saturday, April 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the home of
Washington Middle School for the Girls' 4th and 5th graders in the Washington View Apartments’ Community Room, youth and volunteers will be joined by Steven A. Culbertson, president of
Youth Service America and State Farm Foundation staff.
At the free community event, youth, mentors, and volunteers will develop a youth-driven arts project using the “
Plant Hope” theme reflecting the community that they wish to see and live. Also they lunch, certificates, giveaways and a chance to win Plant Hope t-shirts will be available.
“As the Pope mentioned, we have a choice to plant the seeds of hope in our community and create opportunities of community empowerment through service leadership and creativity,” said Tambra Stevenson, resident of Ward 8 and founder of Creative Cause. “For us, hope means helping other people everyday. Creative Cause encourages hope in people to use their creativity to make a positive impact in their communities.”
Creative Cause and well over 120 national organizations are helping organize Global Youth Service Day this year along with Youth Service America and 32 international organizations.
Creative Cause’s Plant Hope project, a recipient of the State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning Grant is proud to participate again in Global Youth Service Day, the largest service event in the world involving over 3 million youth in highlighting their contributions to the betterment of their communities through voluntary service.
"When it comes to changing your community, creativity is key. I am proud to team up with Creative Cause in their effort to provide a fun, creative outlet for young people in Southeast that will give them a chance to begin rebuilding their own neighborhood," says Loryn Wilson, the 2008 youth ambassador for Plant Hope and George Washington University student. "Plant Hope is about thinking globally while addressing the local issues youth face, such as crime and pollution. My hope is that the youth today can not only have fun and use their creative gifts, but will leave with the responsibility of giving back to their communities.”
“The State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning grant winners demonstrate unprecedented global caring and initiative, showing the world that young people can be leaders today, not in some distant tomorrow,” says Steve Culbertson, president and CEO of Youth Service America.
"Young people around the world are experiencing fundamental necessities of democracy - the ability to serve and give back to their community - while gaining academic and workplace readiness skills that are valued by State Farm. We share a common belief that our young people are not tomorrow's leaders, they are leaders today,” says Edward B. Rust Jr., Chairman and CEO, State Farm.
Limited visitor parking and seating is available. Please register in advance at www.planthope.eventbrite.com or via email info@planthope.org. More information about this event can be viewed at www.planthope.org.
Creative Cause is a Washington, DC-based social enterprise dedicated to using creativity to raise awareness and action on social causes and encourage the next generation of leaders to harness their creativity to address social issues in their community. We accomplish this by hosting educational, outreach and community service events throughout the year. To learn more about how to get involved and support Creative Cause, contact Tambra Stevenson at
tambra@creativecause.org and visit www.creativecause.org.
The 20th annual Global Youth Service Day (GYSD), the largest volunteer event in the world, will be held April 25-27, 2008. GYSD is the largest service event in the world, engaging millions of young Americans and focusing national attention on the amazing leadership of young people. Serve DC has led the citywide event for the sixth year in a row, mobilizing District youth and their families to participate in various creative community service projects
